Do you want to go to China, just crossing the river? Then welcome to Heihe - a border city, which is located in the neighborhood of the Amur region, or more precisely - Blagoveshchensk. There are several pros of this foreign voyage. Firstly, there is no visa for Russian citizens. Secondly, cheap and varied shopping. And, thirdly, new impressions from visiting, even if not the capital of the Celestial Empire, but still one of its unique cities.

How to get there

It's quite easy to get to Heihe. But for this you must first arrive in distant Blagoveshchensk. Flight from the Russian capital (flights to Blagoveshchensk served by Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo) will take about eight hours. And this is on condition that you fork out for direct flights. Flights Moscow - Blagoveshchensk (round trip) will cost on average from 39 500 RUB per person. Flight in the business class costs an order of magnitude more - from 145,000 RUB per passenger

Heihe can buy anything from trinkets and souvenirs to the most modern computer equipment and phones, automotive parts and even mink coats.

If the train journey causes you a purely romantic and nostalgic feeling, you can take train tickets to Blagoveshchensk . Prices are an order of magnitude lower than if you fly by plane . But, on the other hand, spend six days under the clatter of wheels is likely to be agreed by a few . In any case We note that railway tickets in a reserved car will cost an average of 8,000 RUB, in a compartment - from 12,000 RUB per person . True, this is the cost of tickets only to Blagoveshchensk, not counting the way back . To Blagoveshchensk, How to go further? Since Heihe is on the bank of the Amur River, tourists are brought to it by boat .

Passenger ships depart from the river port (on Tchaikovsky Street, 1) every day from 8:50 to 17:30. The first ship from the port of Heihe to Blagoveshchensk departs at 10:15 and the last at 6:30 pm

The flights from the Chinese border are made on the same schedule, that is, every day and every hour . Tickets for a motor ship in the ordinary hall cost 2 200 RUB, in the hall of high comfort - 2 800 RUB In principle, you can not overpay, because to swim to Heihe shortly . But pay for the exit from the VIP terminal in Heihe, so as not to stand idle on passport control, yet it makes sense . It will be necessary to scrap about 100 CNY, plus the same for the visa fee . The visa itself Russian tourists do not need to make out (only the questionnaire is filled in at the customs), but this is provided that you will stay only in Heihe . For visa to other cities in China, a visa will still be required .

Where to stay

In Heihe has a lot of hotels, but immediately note that five-star hotels here you will not find. Most hotels are "treshki", and with different conditions. To not be disappointed in the room, ask at the reception to show the room and, if it suits you, pay. The fact is that in Heihe (however, probably, like any other city that lives at the expense of tourists) do not like to return money to foreigners.

The average cost of a room in three-star hotels is 120-140 CNY.

There are hotels (from 40-50 CNY per room), but the conditions there will be minimal (shower, toilet shared - on the floor). By the way, if you are not satisfied with the price for housing, you can always bargain and bring down the price to the acceptable for you.

Food and shopping

Cuisine in Heihe is diverse . Here is full of cafes and eating places, where you can taste not only Chinese , but also dishes cooked in Russian manners . In addition, practically at every step there are street trays in which they sell all kinds of food . Average check in popular institutions (for example, "Laguna", "Sinyu", "Putin" ") Is 20-40 CNY . What's worth trying in Heihe? In fact, a lot of dishes from both meat and seafood . Most often tourists in local cafes order a salad called "Heihe", fried dumplings, Peking duck and meat with pineapples .

Heihe today

Many people go to Heihe for cheap shopping. You can buy here anything you like: from trinkets and souvenirs to the most modern computer equipment and telephones, automotive parts and even fur products. But whatever you like, be sure to inspect the goods along and across, and if it's clothes and even more so a mink coat, try on and, of course, bargain.

The epicenter of trade in Heihe is the shopping center "Huafu" (located in the center of the city), as well as "Yuandong" and the island of Big Heihe (they are located next to the customs).

By the way, in the morning Wenhoujie works a flea market. Here you can buy anything and almost nothing.

Entertainment and attractions Heihe

Heihe has something to do for tourists, regardless of the time of year. As a walking tour you can go to the city embankment and, admiring the panorama of the Cupid, dream about something good. For active entertainment, you can go to the park, which is located near the customs, and ride on the Ferris wheel and other attractions. In a literal sense, you can sweat in the baths "Tien I". Here you will also be offered massage and various cosmetology procedures.

In winter, it's possible to come off at full speed in the Lunzhu ski resort, which is located in the suburb of Heihe. For natural beauties, you can go to the Udalanschi Park with its picturesque lakes and thermal springs.


All prices are indicated as of May 2014